Wendy Long says the announcement by the U.S. Geological Survey that the Utica Shale deposit, which lies below the Marcellus Shale, is even larger than predicted, should mean even more jobs for New Yorkers. She urged Gillibrand, her Democrat opponent in the race, to be more supportive of fracking.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has once again delayed a report on whether to allow fracking, saying health data needs to be reviewed first. But Long says she doesn’t blame Cuomo for delays, but rather what she calls the “celebrity-led"opposition that he faces.

“I think he’s in a very lonely place,” Long said.

On other issues, Long says if elected she would vote to repeal Obamacare. But says she would not support a federal tax code overhaul if it meant eliminating state and local tax deductions from federal income taxes.